Betz Besoleil 2009 (750ML)

91 WA / 91 IWC

Faintly smoky black tea, resinous green herbs, sweaty salinity and animal allusions as well as an intriguing fish oil note mingle with strawberry jam in the nose of Betzs 2009 Besoleil. This blend of Grenache with 14% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 9% Cinsault is sappy and plush though less vibrant than the corresponding 2010. A berry seed-like bitterness serves for invigoration and the herbal and animal dimensions ad umbrated in the nose collaborate for a fascinating degree of complexity in a lasting finish. Based on my very limited experience (I found the inaugural 2003 Besoleil, when tasted alongside, sweaty, cooked fruit-dominated and attenuated), I suspect that this will be best enjoyed over the next half dozen years
-David Schildknecht

(a southern Rhone blend based on 66% grenache; aged in once-used barrels): Medium red. Slightly high-toned aromas of liqueur-like red berries, cherry, sage and flowers. Seamless and sweet in the mouth, with immediately accessible flavors of candied red fruits. The firm but ripe tannins will not get in the way of enjoying this wine right now. Ò Stephan Tanzer